Surface Reactivity of Fuel Shales from the Baltic Basin

Abstract—The distribution and content of acid–base centers at the surface of fuel shales and shale ash are determined. The results indicate that they may be used as fillers in polymer composites, filter materials, and sorbents. The surface of fuel shales is characterized by the presence of centers with pK_a = +1.5, pK_a = +3.5, pK_a = +6.4, pK_a = +9.5, and pK_a = +14. At the surface of shale ash, we find centers with pK_a = +1.5, pK_a = +4.1, pK_a = +6.4, pK_a = +9.5, and pK_a = +14.2. The presence of acidic and basic Bronsted centers indicates sorptional activity with respect to organic pollutants (petroleum and its products, for example) and ionic heavy metals.